Truck



w. J. SMITH.

' TRUCK.

APPLICATION HLED MAY 8, 1920.

Patented Jan. 31,1922

2' SHEETS-SHEET 1 w. 1. SMITH.

TRUCK.

I APPLICATION FILED MAY8,1920- 1 ,405,168. Patented Jan. 31, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

llllll Inn 'IIIIIIIII L I my w ATTORNEY UNITED s'mxres PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM JUDSON SMITH, PAUL, MINNESOT..

' TRUCK.

Specification of Iietters Patent. P t t Jan, 31, 1 2

Application filed May 8, 1920. Serial No. 379,730.

' State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Trucks, of

which the following is a full, clear,iand exact description, such as will enable others skilled in the art to whichv it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates totrucks, and with respect to its more specific features to trucks for street railway cars.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved truck which is relatively light in weight, and which is relatively cheap in first and maintenance costs.

Another object is to provide an improved truck which is capable of ready dis-assembly and assembly for repairs, or for other purposes. I

Another object is to provide an improved journal-box construction which is capable of ready positioning on the axle and easy attachment or detachment from the truck pedestals. 1

A further object is the provision of a truck fitted with animproved braking mechanism and structure which avoids wear on the truck wheels and has features.

Other objects will be in part obvious and ther advantageous in part pointed out hereinafter.

' 'Fig. 2 is .a'side elevational view of the same, certain parts being shown in section more clearly to disclose the invention;

Fig. 3 is a detailed fragmentary sectional view showing the bolster and spring suspension; I a 4 V Fig. f is a top plan view, and Fig. 5 an end elevation of the lower section of one of the journal-boxes; I s Fig. 6 is a top planvi'ew, and

arrow;

4 Fig. 9 is'a sectional viewon the line 99 Fig. 7 an end elevation of the upper section of one of the journalboxes;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6 looking inthe direction of the of Fig. 6 looking in theydirection'of the arrow;

Fig. 10 is aside elevation of the upper half of the journal box looking from the left of Fig. 7; Fig. 11 is a top plan view, and Fig-12 a side elevation of oneof the truck pedestal castings;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line, 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is an end elevation of the truck pedestal casting looking from the left of Fig. 12; I V

Fig. 15 is an end elevation of the same looking from the right f Fig. 12;

Fig.;16 is a detailed sectional view taken on the line 16'16 of Fig. 15, and

Fig. 17 is a detailed sectional view taken on the line 17,'17 of Fig. 12.

Referring now for amore detailed description of the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and3, the truck is designated generally by reference numeral '1, 2 designates the wheels, 3 the axles, 4: the

truck bolster, 5 the truck bolster center hearing, 5 the side roller bearings, and 6 the truck frame, The truck frame comprises transverse end pieces 7 secured in anyapproved manner as by. gusset plates-Sto the truck'side frame members 9. frame members may be of any approved design, but preferably the diamond arch bar type is used as shown in'the drawing. Tran- These sidesom members 7 also extend transversely of the truck frame and are connected to the truck frame members by suitable gusset plates. The side'frame comprises an arch bar 10,'inverted arch bar 11 and pedestal tie-bar 12, and each of these bars is secured to the bolster guide-bars or truck columns 13 and to the truck pedestals 43, as will be more fully described hereinafter. Located inside of the wheels 2 are journal boxes 15 which are divided upon horizontal lines to form. upper and lower sections 15 and 15" V respectively. Thesejournal boxes'are adapted to be movably secured to the truck peddscribed.

estals by'means which will be presently fully Y described in detail.

Load stresses are transmitted from the bolster 4 to the truck frame through any suitable means; preferably double elliptic bolster springs 16 are employed, upon the upper member of which the ends of the bolster rest. For this purpose suitable bearing blocks 17 are provided on the bolster spring and'the lower member of said spring is provided with a bearing block 18 which rests upon spring plank bearings 19 of spring plank 20. From the spring plank bearing 19 the load stresses are transmitted through suitable nuts 21 to swing hangers 22 and through pivotal connections thereof to the truck frame. As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the spring plank bearing is pivotally supported by the nuts 21 which have suitable projections engaging in corresponding depressions on the under side of the spring plank bearing. These nuts are screwed to the lower ends of the swing hangers 22 which are secured at their upper ends to a shaft 23 extending transversely of the bolster. The ends of the shaft 23 are supported by bearing blocks or castings 24- mounted on the arch bar 10 of the truck journal boxes 15 are spaced on the truck axles inside the wheels, and are connected through the truck pedestalsas will later be The journal box construction is substantially the same at all four corners of the truck, and is shown in detailin Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive. As shown, each box is divided into upper and lower sections, each comprising an integral casting, the two sections being bolted together when in cooperative relationship upon the axle. For this purpose apertures 24, 25 and 26 are formed in the upper half of the box, and corresponding apertures 24c, 25 and 26' are formed in the lower section. The aperture 24 is internally threaded, as shown'in By'this meanst'he tire-sections ofithe journal 'gbo x; are" heldseouircly uncooperative? relationashlpand 111a disassen be readily;

dust guards are provided :at ":the the j o final. 1b,of x-, :a11'd for this-:pur- 7 ,ie qaper :casting; is supplied/with a geess .o slot/:27 at the innerlside;thereof; and with a similar slot 28 at the outer sideimillhe ld should lower section or casting is provided with complementary slots 27 and 2 8, and when the two sections are secured together the respective slots cooperate to form channels to accommodate the dustguard members which are shown at 29 and 30 in Fig. 9. Suitable journal bearings or brasses 3O may be fitted to each section of the journal box, and these brasses may be faced, if desired, with a layer of babbitt 3O or similar antifriction metal.

The upper section of each journal box is constructed to form a seat for a truck pedestal, each pedestal resting upona'cushion 31 of suitable'material such as rubber, as indicated in Fig. 2, this cushion being suitably This slot is adapted tocooperate with a similar slot on the lower section of the journal box to form a seat for the truck pedestal as will be more fully described hereinafter. Also each upper casting is formed onthe far side of the bolster with a depression 35 forming a seat forthe nose portion of the v truck pedestal.-

The lower section of each journal box is also-supplied on the side adjacent the bolster with lateral projections 36 and 37 extending outwardly therefrom and towards each other and forming a dovetailed slot 38 similar to the slot 3e described above.- The slot 38 is adapted to cooperate with the slot 3 1- to form a seat for the truck pedestal as above mentioned. A lateral pocket 39 extends from the side of each lower section of the journal box and is adapted to receive packing and lubricating grease. This grease pocket is located atthe'side of the journal box away from'the bolster so that thesame is readily accessible for inspection, or for the insertion of grease-or packing. The grease pocket may be conveniently provided with a cover 40 which is held in place by means of stud bolt 41 extending through an opening in the cover, the threaded lower end thereof extending into an internally threaded aperture42 at the bottom of the pocket.

At each end of the truck side frame a truck pedestal 43 is secured in position as by bolts 44- and 41-5 passing through the pedestal and the bars of the side frame; Thearch bar '10 andinvcrted arch bar 11* pass over the [top-of tlie'truck pedestal as' shown" in Fig. 2, andntherpedestail tiel-ba'i 12 passesth'ereiunder the bolt 1414 passing? througlr the whole to securethe parts: imassembled relationship. For this purpose also the bolt 4-5 passes through the rarch barsiand thenose of the .pedestalJcasting: 20 5*:

The detailed?constructidii bf the illustra tive embodiintent:ofl"-the truck I pedestal shown in Figs. 11 to 17. As there shown this pedestal comprises an integral casting hav ing a generally horizontally disposed body portion 46, a generally vertically disposed portion'47 and a downwardly extending nose portion 48, stiffening flanges 49 being preferably secured at its upper end to a depending similar flanges 50 on the vertical portion. As shown in Fig. 17 the flanges 50 partially form the walls of an aperture 51 through which the bolt 44 passes- At its upper portion this aperture is entirelysurrounded by the metal of the pedestal as shown in Fig. 16, and at its lower end the aperture extends through an outwardly projecting flange 52 as shown at 51 in Fig. 12. Also as shown in Fig. 17, the vertical portion of the pedestal is provided with inclined webs 53 terminating in inwardly extending flanges 54, these flanges and webs being 'so disposed in relation-to each other'as to form a section of the pedestal which is substantially trapezoidal or dovetailed in cross section, and corre sponds in shape and dimensions approximately to theslots 34 and 38 in the journal boxes. 7

The under portion of the horizontal section 46 ofthepedestal casting is provided with a recess inwhich is seated the resilient cushion31 when the parts are in assembled relationship, as is clearly shown in Fig. 2. The nose portion 48 corresponds in shape and dimensionswith the recess 35in the wall of the present invention, further description of them is considered unnecessary. V

In' the operation of theimproved truck construction thus far described, the truck pedestals 43 are securely held in position at the ends of the side frames of the truck by bolts 44 and 45. Each pedestal movably V engages its associated journal box, the vertical'dove tailed, section of the pedestal engaging in the aligned dovetailed slots37 and 38 of the upper and lower section of the journal box, the horizontal portion seating against the cushion 31 on the upper face, and the nose portion seating in'the recess 35 of said upper section. By this means the truck frame is securely but removably held in assembled relationship withthe journal box and associated parts; Should it become necessaryto remove the axle for any purpose it' is only necessary to raise the truck frame and the pedestals will slide from engaging relationshi with the journal boxes, and the axles with wheels and motors may then be rolled from beneath the frame. When the parts are to be assembled, the reverse operations are followed.

It will be particularly noted that the truck thus provided requires a relatively small amount of material in its manufacture and is correspondingly light and cheap in manufacturing cost. Trucks constructed accord-- ing to this design weigh only from one-half to one-third the weight of the standard brake-shoe truck in use at the present time for similar purposes. The truck is quickly assembled and disassembled, little 5 work being required for this purpose, and repairs and adjustments are-readily made. i

This design of truckis particularly adapted for use on passenger streetcars 'or for passenger cars used in light trains for street or otherrailway use, and is especiallya'dapted tobe used on cars making up light trains, as a motor and a trailer.

r In order to simplify the construction and. reduce the weight of the truck, a special braking mechanism has been designed, and to this end the ordinary brake-shoes taking against the'periphery of the truck wheels have been'discarded. In the embodiment of this improved braking means shown in the drawingfa single. brake-drumfiO having a relatively large brakingsurface on its pee riphery is rigidly mounted on'each axle 2 so as to rotate therewith. This drum is-supplied with a friction brake band 61 which is arranged to engage with theTperiphe ry of the drum ftliroughout nearly 360 thereof. Improved means for applyingand releasing said brake band is also provided. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the brake band operating means comprises a bell crank 62, the shortarm of which is pivoted to :a bracket'63 mounted .on the upper end ofthe brake band,

the other or long arm being connected rto the brake actuating mechanism. Pivotally' connected at one end to the elbow of the bell crank lever is a link "64 slidably supported in'an opening in the angtularly dis posed flange 66 of a bracket or casting 65, the latter being suitably mounted in-position adjacent the truck column 18 upon one of the transoms 7' and truck side frame 9. The other end of the link 64 extendsthrough an opening in a bracket or casting 67 secured to the other end of the-brakeband'6'1, and is held in'cooperative relationship; withsaid bracket by a nut threaded on the end of said link: A spiral spring 68 surrounds thelow'er end of said link 64,1at one end abutting the brackets 67 and at theother end almtting the angularly disposed flange 66, whereby the brake band is yieldingly heldin released 7 position. It will be noted that this'constr'uction allows thebrake band to extend nearly of the bell crank lever 62.

of weight and size of the parts of the brakmg mechanism.

Each brake band is supported at one side by a depending link 69 secured by a set screw in an elongated slot formed in a bracket 70 which is riveted or otherwise suitably secured to the brake band. This link 69 is suitably secured at its upper end to a depending flange of the cross piece or sill 7.

Each bell crank lever 62, 62 is operated by suitable means to apply the brake, and as shown in the present embodiment, this means comprises a brake rod 71 extending forwardly as shown in Fig. 1 to a suitable handor power braking mechanism. This braking mechanism may be of any standard construction, forms no part of the present invention, and need not be further described. The other end of the brake rod is pivotally secured to an equalizing bar 72 intermediate the ends thereof, preferably at its center of length. At one end this bar is fitted with a clevis 7 3 which is pivotally connected thereto and bifurcated at one end to receive the upper end ofthe long arm of the bell crank lever 62 to which it is pivotally connected as at 74. The opposite end of the clevis 73 is supplied with a lug 74' having an aperture therein to receive the end of a coiled tension spring 75, the opposite end of which is adjustably secured by a threaded eye bolt 75 to a bracket 76 mounted on the transom 7'. i

The other end of the equalizing bar 7 2 is also fitted with a clevis '7 7 which is pivotally connected thereto, and a flexible member such as a chain 7 8 is attached at one end to said clevis extending approximately in a horizontal direction around a horizontally disposed sheave mounted in a bracket 79 on the end piece 7 the end of the backwardly extending portion being connected to a clevis 80 at the upper end of the long arm Also connected at one end to the clevis 80 is a second coiled tension spring 81, the opposite end of which is connected by suitable adjustable means to a bracket secured on the transom 7. This adjustable means may conveniently comprise a threaded eye bolt passing through said bracket and having-nuts thereonto hold and lock the same in adjusted position.

\Vhile a single brake drum of comparativ'ely large dimensions isidisclosed as being mounted on each axle, it is obvious that more than one brakeedrum may be employe'd,if desirable. It .is. found :in i practice,-howeter, that .a single brakei drnmiiof 5 comparatively large;;dimensioi1si1is preferable .assit provides aligh-ter, more compact and more economical braking mechanismare qi' ..,The. operationof the. braking mechanism which will; be obvious from-the: abo'vefadefscriptionmay-bebriefly described follows: :1'When-.a..brake%'is'to be& applied, a. pulling from the brake rod 71 the braking elements are urged to off position by means of the releasing springs 75 and '81, and this action is also assisted by the expansion of band releasing springs 68. v

I-Iavingzdescribed my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a truck, in combination, trussed side frame members, commercial end frame mem bers connecting said side frame members, a pedestal secured to one of said side frame members, a journal box for the truck axle disposed inwardly from" the truck-wheels, and means for connecting said pedestal to said journal box by vertically slidable engagement therewith. v i

2. In a truck, in combination, a side frame member including a pedestal, an arch-bar and aninverted arch-bar secured to'theupper portion of said pedestal and a pedestal tie-bar secured to the lower portion thereof,

a journal box spaced inwardly from the truck wheehand means whereby said pedestal removably engages said j ournal box.

3. In a truck, in combination, a side frame member including a pedestal, an arch-bar and an inv'erted'arch-bar secured to the upper portion of said pedestal 'and'a pedestal tiebar secured to the lower portion'thereof, a ournal box and connecting me ansfor connecting said pedestal to'said journal box by vertically sliding engagement therewith.

4. In a-truck,'in combination, a side frame member including a pedestal, an 7 arch-bar and an inverted arch-bar secured to the upper portion of said pedestal and a pedestal tie-bar secured to the lower portionth'ereof, a journal box dispo'sed'inwardly from'the truck wheels, and dovetail-connecting means 01 connecting said pedestal to'said journal ox. Y I

- 5. In a truck, in combination, a side frame member including a pedestah'an arch-bar and an inverted arch-bar secured to the upper portion of said pedestal anda pedestal tiebar secured to "the" lower portion thereof, a journal )boxl disposed inwardly 1 from tlie truclr wheelssandrimeans foi eflecting slid in-g 'cdnnectjin m engagenlent between said jorirriahbox} and said pedesta atruc "l combinationr-asrdeltrussed frameumembe disposed inwardly from the true-1rwheels, ttansversei frame memljers con; nectingisaidasildefti anleimembersfa pedestal for said .si de-c'filame rnigerrilaer, i a journal box and means whereby said pedestal engages said journal box for connecting the latter to the former, and a cushion between said journal box and said pedestal.

7. In a truck, in combination, a trussed side frame member, a cast metal pedestal member having vertical and horizontal portions detachably connected to the truss members of said side frame member, a journal box disposed inwardly from the truck Wheels, and means whereby said pedestal member slidably engages said journal box to positively connect the former to the latter. I

8. In a truck, in combination, a side frame member, a pedestal having a vertical portion with projecting edges and a horizontal portion, a journal box having grooves in one face thereof in which said edges slide for connecting said journal box and pedestal, and a cushion between said journal. box and said horizontal portion.

9. In a truck, in combination, a side-frame and a bolster swingingly connected thereto,

a pedestal for said side frame, a journal box disposed inwardly of the truck wheels and means whereby said pedestal engages said journal box for removably. connecting the former and the latter.

10. In a truck, in combination, side frame members disposed inwardly of the truck wheels, a bolster swingingly connected to said side members, a pedestal for said side frame members, journal boxes and means for removably connecting said, pedestals and journal boxes.

11. In a truck, in combination, side frame members disposed inwardly of the truck wheels and including truck columns and pedestals, arch-bars secured to the tops and bottoms of said truck columns and to the members, a ournal box, and means whereby said journal box slidably engages one of said pedestals to removably connect the same.

13. In a truck, in combination, a rectangular truck frame having trussed side members, journal boxes disposed inwardly from the truck wheels, pedestals slidably engaging said journal boxes to secure the former to the latter whereby the frame may be lifted from the journal boxes, and braking mechanism including a brake drum spaced in-v wardly of said side frame members.

14. In a'truck for railway cars, 1n combination, a truck frame having trussed side with the vertical portions of said pedestals providing means whereby said pedestals and said ournal boxes are rigidly held in assembled relationship while at the same time perinitting the pedestal to be raised from engagement'with said journal box.

15. In a journal box for railway trucks,

in combination, upper and lower sections and aligned dovetailed recesses in said sec tions.

16. In a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections aligned dustguard recesses in said sections at both ends thereof, and aligned recesses in said sections for securing said journal box to a truck.

17. In a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections, aligned dovetailed recesses in said sections and dustguard recesses at both ends of said sections.

18. In a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections divided substantially on horizontal lines, means for securing said sections in cooperative relationship, said means including a bolt passing downwardly in said upper section threaded into said lower section, and a bolt passing upwardly in said lower section and threaded into said upper section, and aligned recesses in said sections for securing said journal box to a truck frame.

19. I11 a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections divided substantially on horizontal lines, means for securing said sections in cooperative relationship, said mean including a bolt passing downwardly in said upper section and threaded into said lower section, and a bolt passing upwardly in said lower section and threaded into upper section, dustguard recesses at both ends of said sections, and aligned recesses in said sections for securing said journal box to a truck frame.

20. In a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections divided substantially on horizontal lines. means for securing said sections in coopera tive relationship, said means including a 'bolt passing downwardly in said upper seotion and threaded into said lower section, and a bolt passing upwardly in said lower section and threaded into said upper section,

and aligned dovetailed recesses in said sections.

21. In a journal box for railway trucks, in combination, upper and lower sections divided substantially on horizontal lines, means for securing said sections in cooperative relationship, said means including a bolt passing downwardly in said upper section and threaded into said lower section, and a bolt passing upwardly in said lower section and threaded into said upper section, and dustguard recesses and aligned dovetailed recesses in said sections.

22. A ournal box comprising, iii combination, complementary journal box sections adapted to be secured in cooperative relationship, dustguard recesses at both ends of said journal box, and aligned recesses in said sections for securing said journal box to a truck.

23. A journal box comprising, in combination, complementary journal box sections adapted to be secured in cooperative relationship, and a dovetailed recess for connecting the journal box to a truck frame.

24. A journal box comprising, in com bination, complementary journal box sections adapted to be secured in cooperative relationship, a grease pocket located at one side of said ournal box, and aligned recesses 1n said sections opposite said grease pocket for securing said journalbox to a,

truck. I r

25. A journal box comprising-in combination, complementary journal box sections adapted to be secured in cooperative relationship dustguard recesses at both ends of said journal box and a dovetailed recess for connecting the journal box to a truck frame.

26. A journal box comprising, in combination, complementary journal box sections adapted to be secured in cooperative relationship, dustguardrecesses at both ends of said journal box, a grease pocket located at one side of said ournal box, and aligned recesses in said sections opposite said grease pocket for securing said journal box to a. truck.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signa ture, in the presence of two witnesses.

WVILLIAM J UDSON SMITH.

\Vitnesses M. F. ERNST, E. N. HoLs'rRoM.

Certificate of Correction. It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent N 0. 1,405,168, granted January 31, 1922, upon the application of William Judson Smith, of St. Paul, Minnesota, for

an improvement in Trucks, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 3, line 7, strike out the Words secured at its'upper end to a depending and insert the Words provided on the horizontal portion and; page 4, line 126, claim 6, for the Words side trussed read trnssed side; page 5,

line 115, claim 19, before the Word upper insert the word said, and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case inthe Patent Office. Signed and sealed this 7th day of March, A. D., 1922.

TM. A. KINNAN,

A otz'ng Commissioner of Patents.

[SEAL] 

